Archive for November, 2013

WATERCOOLER CHAT: THANKSGIVING NFL MATCHUPS

FOOTBALL

Thanksgiving Day is all about Turkey, football and some trash talking. Here’s the lineup:

12:30 pm est- Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

This game in itself should be a fun matchup, but then Packers offensive lineman Josh Sitton added to the intrigue by going on the radio and trashing the Detroit defense. This is what he said:

“They go after quarterbacks. Their entire defense takes cheap shots all the time. That’s what they do. That’s who they are,” Sitton said. “They’re a bunch of a dirtbags or scumbags. That’s how they play, and that’s how they’re coached. It starts with their frickin’ coach. It starts with the head coach, [Jim] Schwartz. He’s a d—, too. I wouldn’t want to play for him. It starts with him, and their D-coordinator and their D-line coach. They’re all just scumbags and so are the D-line.”

Then on to the second matchup of the day:

4:30 pm Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys’ Quarterback Tony Romo is 5-1 as a starter on Thanksgiving so expect to see a great game out of him.

And, finally:

8:30 pm Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

These rivals will be hitting hard as this game has playoff implications for both Teams.

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

 

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: KAEPERNICK KEEPS COOL IN MNF, KOBE $50 MILL

FOOTBALL

Everyone was talking about 49er QB, Colin Kaepernick going through his sophomore slump this season, but if you watched Monday night football against the Washington Redskins, you would think differently. Kaepernick kept his cool and the 49er defense fired up to stuff the Washington Redskins 27 to 6. Redskins’ QB, RG3, couldn’t convert for a touchdown all night leading his team to its third straight loss (and now last place in the NFC East).

 

BASKETBALL

The big news out of the NBA is Lakers’ superstar Kobe Bryant just signed a two year contract extension for close to $50 million dollars. Not too shabby. Looks like Kobe will remain with this team until he retires.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: DEFLECTION IN OT LEADS TO PATS WIN, JON BON JOVI BUYING BILLS?

FOOTBALL

The game of the weekend was the much anticipated Sunday night showdown between future hall of famer quarterbacks, Tom Brady (New England Patriots) and Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos). The Broncos had a big lead heading into halftime, due largely to Patriot turnovers. Then in the second half, the Pats came back in dramatic fashion and the game was tied 31 to 31 to force an overtime.  With just under two minutes left in overtime, the Patriots punted the ball, Wes Welker tried to signal for everyone to get out of the way, but the ball deflected off of Tony Carter, and the Patriots pounced on it. The ball was now theirs again and a relatively easy field goal by Patriot’s Kicker Stephen Gostkowski sealed the win.  The weather was clearly a major factor in this game as there was an unusual amount of turnovers due to the high winds and cold. Patriots 34, Broncos 31 (OT)

 

In other news, rumors are swirling that rocker Jon Bon Jovi is interested in buying the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are currently owned by 95 year old Ralph Wilson. Bon Jovi is a huge football fan and his son Jesse Bongiovi  just made the roster on Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish football team.

 

 

 

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: SAINTS PULL AWAY THURS NIGHT, GARRETT STILL COACH OF COWBOYS, WINSTON ASSAULT CHARGES

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, it was Thursday Night Football between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons.  If you looked at this match-up before the season, it would seem to have been a battle for first place in the NFC South.  But, the Falcons are having a historically disappointing year for a team that many foresaw as a significant Super Bowl contender.  So everyone expected the Saints to run away with this one, but the Falcons did come to play.  They kept it close throughout most of the game, but some missed field goals prevented them from hanging with the Saints.  The Falcons D stepped up to contain Drew Brees, but the offense just couldn’t get the job done.  And the Saints come away with another victory.  New Orleans 17, Atlanta 13.

Elsewhere in the NFL, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has told the media that head coach Jason Garrett will be back for the 2014 season.  This comes as a shock to many, as Garrett has been rather lackluster as head coach for the Cowboys, and Dallas fans don’t like when the Cowboys aren’t lords of the NFL.  But there is something about Garrett that Jones likes, and he’s the one who spends hundreds of millions on his team, so it’s his final call.  The Cowboys are trying to win the NFC East this season, and get a home playoff game.

And in college football, Florida State is riding high right now behind Heisman candidate QB Jameis Winston.  But now, Winston is under accusations of assaulting a female.  The case broke earlier this week, and yesterday more evidence was released that DNA on the girl’s dress matched that of Winston.  Winston’s attorney said it was no surprise that Winston’s DNA was found because they had consensual sex.  But the girl says otherwise.  This case is certainly not over.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: RGIII RESPONSIBLE FOR WOES, MEXICO IN WORLD CUP, DWAYNE WADE SELLS SITCOM

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, after a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, there appears to be some drama within the Redskins locker room.  Robert Griffin III is clearly the face of the Redskins franchise, and he is practically a deity in Washington D.C.  But… many think that he doesn’t look as good this year, and he could be responsible for some of the Redskins woes this season.  Redskins veteran wide receiver Santana Moss has lightly called out RG3 saying that he needs to step up and take some of the blame.

SOCCER

Many Mexicans were worried that their illustrious soccer program was in danger of not making the World Cup.  It came down to a final playoff match against New Zealand IN New Zealand.  If Mexico wanted a spot in the World Cup, they needed this game.  And it’s hard to imagine a World Cup without Mexico.  The country of Mexico can thank Oribe Peralta, who had 3 goals in the game to give Mexico the win.  He will be a national hero today, as thanks to his foot, Mexico will be represented in Brazil next summer.  Mexico 4, New Zealand 2.

BASKETBALL

Finally, in some news out of Miami, the Heat’s Dwayne Wade has sold a sitcom to FOX about an NBA Superstar playing in the league while also being a single father to two boys.  The show is called “Three the Hard Way”, and will feature a main character named Daryl Wade.  Wade said he envisioned it to be a darker comedy, but said he also wants it to have the life lessons seen in shows like The Cosby Show.  The show was inspired by Wade’s memoir.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: CONTROVERSIAL CALL IN PANTHERS MNF WIN, USC LOOKING FOR HEAD COACH

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, it was a much anticipated Monday Night Football Match-up between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots.  The Panthers were coming off a win against the Niners last week, and this was their true statement game.  Taking out the Patriots on national television would show that they are, in fact, for real.  And this game delivered everything that people wanted.  It was extremely close the entire time, and a late touchdown from Cam Newton to Ted Ginn gave the Panthers a lead.  The Patriots had one last chance, but there was a controversial call in the end zone of pass interference against Carolina.   The flag was thrown, but repealed because, according to the rules, Patriots’ tight end, Gronkowski wasn’t actually in position to catch the ball.  Check it out for yourself as I still can’t see why it isn’t pass interference So with that, the Panthers win, and are now 7-3.  Carolina 24, New England 20.

In college football, USC is on the lookout for their next high-profile coach.  They said they are prepared to spend $6 million a year.  Super Bowl winning coach Jon Gruden has been in the mix, as has former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.  But, while they are looking hard, current interim head coach Ed Orgeron has had USC playing lights out football.  They have been terrific since he took over for Lane Kiffin, and even led them to an impressive, upset win against Stanford.  Orgeron says he wants the job, and the players love him.  But, Orgeron’s winning record is in question, and it is still possible that USC will go with a high profile coach to compliment their illustrious program.

And finally, it looks like two of the most powerful and recognizable athletes may be teaming up on a business venture.  It was reported yesterday that basketball superstar LeBron James and soccer legend David Beckham are working together to try and bring a Major League Soccer team to Miami.  The MLS has gained some steam the last few years, with fervent fan bases around the U.S.  Miami is a big soccer city, and these two know that a team would be financially successful there.  This will likely happen, and would be a great thing for a burgeoning league.  Who knows, maybe one day it will be as impressive as the English Premiership.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: FLORIDA STATE PLAYS HANGMAN, EAGLES SITTING PRETTY, CHIEFS LOSE TO BRONCOS

FOOTBALL

In college football, at this time of year we’re always looking for an upset each weekend.  There are still undefeated teams at the top, and they’re all rooting for each other to lose.  After the weekend, Alabama came out victorious against Miss State and Florida State walloped Syracuse.  So much so actually, that Florida State players admitted that they were playing hangman on the sidelines during the win.  Then, Baylor picked up a huge win against a tenacious Texas Tech team, and Ohio State beat up on Illinois.  Stanford, however, wasn’t so lucky, as they went down to Southern California and got trumped by a now ferocious USC team.  Alabama and Florida State are still on course to play each other in the national championship, but still… anything can happen.

And in the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles were riding a win streak coming home to play the Washington Redskins.  If they got the win, they would have possession of first place in the NFC East.  Considering they were absolutely terrible to start the season, this is actually quite impressive.  From the get go, the Eagles ran their fast paced offense under Chip Kelly, and pulled out to a 24-0 nothing lead.  But, just when everyone counted out the Redskins, they turned on the jets and actually had a chance to tie the game.  But, RG3 (Robert Griffin III) threw a horrible, off balance throw that resulted in an interception and cost them the game.  And with the win, the Eagles are suddenly sitting in first place.  Philadelphia 24, Washington 16.

And at night, it was the much anticipated match-up between the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs heading to Denver to take on Peyton Manning and the Broncos.  The Chiefs defense made threats throughout the week, saying they were going to slow the Broncos offense down.  While they certainly did slow them down, they didn’t do it enough.  Peyton Manning was on premium display as he threw for over 300 yards, and rookie Montee Ball punched in two touchdowns to give the Broncos the victory.  The Chiefs and Broncos are now tied atop the AFC West.  Denver 27, Kansas City 17.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: SCHERZER/KERSHAW CY YOUNG, MEXICO AND WORLD CUP, DROP IN POP WARNER

BASEBALL

The league tends to hand out awards well after the season has ended.  This is a bit confusing, but it’s just how the league likes to do it.  The coveted Cy Young awards were handed out Wednesday.  Each league, the AL and the NL, designates which player is their best pitcher.  In the AL, it went to Detroit Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer.  The Tigers seem to own these pitching awards, as their ace Justin Verlander won this prize last year.  And in the NL, the trophy went to Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw.  Kershaw was instrumental in the Dodgers run to grabbing first place. This is Kershaw’s 2nd Cy Young award, and he will likely be signing a huge contract very soon.

SOCCER

Mexico is largely known for their impressive national team.  This is the #1 sport in the country, but… they are actually in danger of not making the World Cup this year.  They had a very important playoff game to try and get into the World Cup against New Zealand, and the whole country watched with baited breath.  Well fortunately for Mexico, they absolutely crushed New Zealand 5-1.  They’re not in the big tournament just yet, but they took a major step forward.  Mexico 5, New Zealand 1.

FOOTBALL

And in some news out of the football world, an interesting report by the ESPN Program “Outside The Lines” showed that there is a drop in participation in Pop Warner football.  This is the little league of football, and the first time that young kids come to learn how the game of football works.  But with the all the recent reports of concussions in the NFL, it’s very likely that parents are keeping their kids out of the sport all together. It will be curious to see what the sport of football looks like in 20 years.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: KANSAS VS DUKE, KENTUCKY VS MICHIGAN STATE, REED ERA ENDS IN HOUSTON

BASKETBALL

In college basketball, the sparks are starting to fly.  In the opening game of their college basketball season, it was Kansas vs. Duke, or, to put it more bluntly, the battle of Andrew Wiggins (Kansas) vs. Jabari Parker (Duke).  These guys are projected to go #1 and #2 in the NBA Draft, and it’s rare to see game between these type of titans in an opening match-up.  Plus, these guys are projected to be some of the best new superstars in the NBA.  So who would win?  Actually, they both won, as they both looked fantastic.  But, in the end, Kansas and Wiggins took home the win.  These guys could meet again in the NCAA Tourney.  Kansas 94, Duke 83.

And, prior to this game, we had another rare match-up as #1 Kentucky took on #2 Michigan State.  Usually a game like this is reserved for the NCAA Tournament Finals, but, hey, it happened, so might as well enjoy it.  The Kentucky Wildcats jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, but then Michigan State came surging back.  A lot of these guys at Michigan State played together last season, and that chemistry showed.  They pulled out ahead at the end of the game and will be the #1 team in the country going forward.  But, will they hang on to #1?  Michigan State 78, Kentucky 74.

FOOTBALL

And in the NFL, it looks like the Ed Reed era in Houston has come to an end just 10 weeks into the season.  The Texans brought in Reed to help their defense and put them over the top in the AFC.  Unfortunately, the Texans are now 2-7 and looking towards the future.  And they decided that Ed Reed wasn’t part of their future plan.  This was most likely because (A) he’s getting pretty old, but more notably (B) he criticized the team publicly after their game against Arizona.  Reed said that they were “out coached”.  That’s not exactly a politically correct response.  It throws your coaching staff under the bus.  You never hear Peyton Manning or Tom Brady say they were out coached after a loss.  It’s likely that some other team going for it all will enlist Reed’s services.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: TAMPA GRABS FIRST WIN IN MNF, PEYTON TO PLAY AGST CHIEFS, PACERS PERFECT START

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, it was Monday Night Football between the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  After the Jaguars got a win Sunday against the Titans, the Buccaneers were the last team in search of a win.  They would take on a Dolphins team that is in complete disarray on account of the bullying story between Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito.  The Bucs weren’t going to go on National TV and get stomped, so their offense turned it on against the Dolphins.  The Dolphins had a nice run to try and come back, especially with the emergence of new wide receiver Rashard Matthews, but Tampa’s D held the ‘Fins, and grabbed their first win.  Tampa Bay 22, MIami 19.

Elsewhere in the NFL, Peyton Manning suffered a minor injury in Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers.  This scared all Broncos fans who desperately wanted Peyton to play in Sunday night’s match-up against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.  With Broncos head coach John Fox still recovering from a heart operation, interim coach Jack Del Rio publicly said that Peyton will “definitely” play against the Chiefs.  This is the game that everyone has been waiting for, wondering if the Broncos could upend the phenomenal Chiefs.  For fans, this game will answer the question about whether or not the Chiefs are for real.  But the Chiefs defense should be completely ready for Peyton.

BASKETBALL

Finally, in the NBA, the story of the season so far is the Indian Pacers perfect start.  This team looks absolutely incredible right now. On Monday they took on the always tough Memphis Grizzlies.  The Grizz put up a fight, but on top of their loaded roster, the Pacers have another emerging star on their hands in Lance Stephenson.  Stephenson finished with a triple double, and the Pacers absolutely destroyed the Grizzlies.  This team has a title on their minds.  Indiana 95, Memphis 79.

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